The Republic of Ireland's squad balance for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup is a testament to the depth that has been built up, according to coach and analyst Lisa Fallon.
On Wednesday morning, manager Vera Pauw announced her final party of 23 for the tournament, which kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on 20 July, along with three reserve players.
Aoife Mannion, Megan Campbell and Leanne Kiernan were among the high-profile candidates for selection who ultimately did not make the cut for Ireland's first ever major tournament appearance.
Speaking on RTÉ's Game On, Fallon said she was impressed overall by the squad that Pauw has gone for.
"The fact that there are 23 strong players in the panel, I think is a real sign of how progressive things have been for this particular squad and the depth that is now there"@lisafallonsport has been reacting to Vera Pauw's Ireland squad for the World Cup on @GameOn2FM #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/EhIY9AUT1l
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 28, 2023
"I think overall, it's a very strong squad," she said. "It's a great testament to where we are now and where the Republic of Ireland is in terms of the depth of the squad that we're talking about people who really missed out that were genuine contenders to travel.
"The fact that there are 23 strong players in the panel I think is a real sign of how progressive things have been for this particular squad and the depth that is now there."
She added: "I think it's a very exciting squad, there's good balance within the team. There's a lot of experience, there's a lot of youth and there's versatility amongst the players."
There have been suggestions that Campbell's absence from the squad will mean deployment at left wing-back for talismanic captain and Arsenal star Katie McCabe, thereby reducing Ireland's attacking threat, but Fallon believes that is not set in stone based on the other options available.
"The fact that Chloe Mustaki is in the squad, she can play that left wing-back position. It's a position she has played for Ireland," said Fallon of the Bristol City player.
"I don't think the fact that Megan Campbell is absent (means) it's nailed on that Katie McCabe will play as deep. (Pauw) can still play Chloe Mustaki there and keep Katie higher up."
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